Walking on Water

Mark past couple weeks:  12 sent out, returned, off for some R & R
Crowd interrupts, Jesus teaches, heals, feeds (5000+)

NOW = Evening!  Mark 6:45-52 - (4th. watch = 3 - 6 AM)  (ghost - not Holy Spirit)  with Matt. 14:27-33 - Peter walking on water.

Question:  Why didn't Mark include Matthew's account of Peter walking on water?
Probably because Peter didn't want to "blow his own horn."   Mark is commonly believed to be writing Peter's memoirs.

Today will approach the Passage with questions:

START WITH THE DISCIPLES:

Where are the disciples?  in storm, in the dark, in trouble, in a mess, "in the same boat" - - we all are!!
Just because are following Jesus, doesn't give exemption from life's storms!

Why are they there?  because Jesus sent them there!!!
Usually our mess = our own doing (as a general rule)
BUT - sometimes is out of obedience to Christ!!
Example:  Jesus on the cross - was doing the perfect will of God.

When did this take place?    immediately after the feeding of the 5,000. 
Could be a coincidence ... but - Mark 6:52

The disciples were expected to experience, enjoy the miracles, BUT ... also expected to LEARN from them!!  Blessings are there not just to enjoy. but ALSO to prepare us for difficult times!!
We should learn from the good times, that He can be trusted in bad times!!

What are the disciples doing?  Mark 6:48 - "straining at the oars" (toiling in rowing)

toiling ... (A)  against the wind
              (B)  according to instructions
Has been 6-8 hours with little progress ... what to do?  Isa. 50:10 - (trust in the Lord and rely on God)

This - obedience and perseverance  (to this we are called)
Note:  at this point there is no reason to criticize the disciples!!)

LOOK AT JESUS:

(1)  He knew what He'd sent them into.... and
(2)  He saw them toiling - Mark 6:48 - because of moonlight?  divine insight?  

So What is Jesus doing while they are toiling?
Answer = Praying!!  for them???  for you??? - Heb. 7:25 - hard to imagine Him not praying for disciples, for us, in midst of storms

On one hand, He sees ALL my failures.
However, He sees ALL my EFFORTS!!
Examples:  7 churches from Revelation:

Rev. 2:2, 2:9, 2:13, 2:19, 3:8

On one hand effort does not equal effectiveness, success
However, EFFORT MATTERS!!  (as does His knowledge of it!)

 When does Jesus come to them? - 4th. watch (3 - 6 AM)

He does come .... but not immediately!!
There may be a delay ... but also a reason for the delay!  (we many not know the reason)
Example:  Lazarus

How does He come?  Walking on the water!!

The Problem is Big!! BUT Jesus is Bigger! - He is ABOVE the problem!!!! Is not disconnected from the problem, not unaffected by the problem.

Your storm my be real, huge, dangerous, BUT ... He is BIGGER!!

PETER - on one hand, he sank!
However, for a bit... he walked on water!!
Question:  Why was Peter the only one to walk on water?
Answer:  he was the only one to ASK; to step out!!

Don't want to get out of the boat without permission...
However, will never walk if never ask and step out!! - One reason we don't do huge things for the Lord is that we don't ask.  Instead stay where it is safe.

Granted:  if step out .. might sink!!!  However, He'll be there to catch you!!!

OBSERVATIONS:

#1.  Only Jesus can walk on water.
But... IF He chooses .... He can enable you to do the same!!
This is about trusting Christ and attempting great things.  It's not about safety, comfort, avoiding storms!!

#2.  The best of times should help prepare us for the difficult times. 
Example:  feeding of the 5,000 = great day!!!  BUT.... Mark 6:52 - didn't learn the lesson in the good times.

So, "count your blessings" but LEARN from those blessings - SO may be able to trust Him in the hard times!!
Phil. 4:11-13 - (anything God calls me to do)

#3.  You'll never know God's power to rescue you from trouble if you never have trouble!!
OR:  there never was a miracle without a problem preceding it!!

#4.  Note:  Mark 6:53 - The disciples had a long, rough night.  But... they made it to the other side!!  (where Jesus had told them to go)

Christians have NO promise of a smooth ride.  But are promised ...we'll arrive safely .. on the other side!!

Challenge is to commit to the side of Christ - will g through storms in life.  You want Christ on your side.

Feeding the 5,000

 The 12 disciples ... commissioned / sent out / returned / hear of John's death
Now ... Jesus popularity is at it's peak ... enhanced by the disciples (now not just one working doing, but 6 sets plus Jesus)

So... Mark 6:30-34 - Jesus in Galilee (country folks, where He was from)
Note:  (apostles reported all they had done AND taught)  Teaching was primary
Matt. & Luke add "healing" - Luke 9:11
R & R - around 4 miles across lake, but 10 miles on foot.

Mark 6:35-38 - (200 dinari {some translations} = 8 months of man's wage
John adds "little boy" - John 6:8-9

Mark 6:39-44 - 5,000 men (Matt. adds "besides women and children") = huge crowd

Question:  Where did the miracle take place??
Answer:  (many literal translations) "He broke and kept on giving" - happens in the hands of Christ

Question:  What's He mean 'sheep without a shepherd?
Answer = no proper leadership, guidance - Note:  sheep = followers of Christ
Example:  1 Kings 22:17

NOTE:  Jesus' reaction - "He had compassion on them" - which = He Sees - He feels - He Acts!!
Therefore He taught - He healed - He fed 
This = Biblical compassion

But... before He fed them ... Mark 6:37 - "you give them to eat"
Disciples response not calloused, rather = helpless!!! - "What can we do?!?"

Answer follows ... which = This is more than a miracle.  This is a lesson for followers of Christ!!

How to feed a multitude with a little lunch!
ie:  (make a big splash when just a little frog!  big bang when small firecracker!)

Example:  M.A.D. - Make a Difference.   M.A.E.D. - Make an Eternal Difference. - the only way to make an eternal difference is to make a difference in people.  They are all that is eternal.

#1.  See the need.  (ie:  be open, alert, sensitive,,,)
needs are more than physical ... needs needn't be big!!

#2.  Accept the responsibility  ("you give them to eat") 
Jesus covered that day ... but now He's gone (physically)
BUT, 'sheep' are still with us!!

Note:  you can't meet all the needs!  You CAN meet some of the needs!

#3.  Count your loaves - Mark 6:38 - "go and see / assess what available
You have spiritual gifts and abilities
They are given to you to use!! - 1 Cor. 12:7

The focus shifts from what you don't have ... to what you do have!!!

#4.  Present them to Christ 

#5.  Follow His instructions - ie:  do what HE tells you to do!!
This doesn't require a special voice, is plenty in the WORD to instruct us!! - 1 Pet. 4:10

#6.  Accept the results
You man not see results ... doesn't mean they are not there!!

#7.  Do it all over again (and again...)
Because sheep and needs are there until Christ returns

Objection!!  (1)   I don't know my gifts!  my calling!
Answer:  that is not necessary!! Just go and meet needs....
      (A)  with the help of Christ...
      (B)  as He gives opportunity! 
Ask Him - He will give direction as He sees fit.

Objection!  (2)   I'm not a leader! 
Answer:  neither was this (un-named) boy!!  - (who is he? parents? where from? - nothing about him)
              neither were the disciples at this point!

Your faith is not to be in Your own abilities, gifts, etc.
Your faith is to be in Him!  His goodness.
                                        His faithfulness
                                        His Power
God is not calling you to make a difference.  He's calling you to be an instrument through which HE can make a difference!!

Important Distinction
We are called to feed the sheep....
But.... we answer to the Master!! - John 21:15-17

Sheep need care, but the primary thing is to respond to (follow) Christ.

Lessons from Herod Antipas

 Scripture just records miracles, teachings, healings, sending the 12 out ...  (only a smattering of these actually recorded)
So.... word is reaching all levels of society!!  (palaces as well as villages... (Spread verbally, passed on.)

So... Mark 6:14-16 - list of players in story.

Herod the Great - not this Herod.  - was King when Jesus was born, example:  Christmas story
had at least 7 sons by various wives.

Aristobolus - the father of....
Herodias - grand-daughter of Herod the Great   (featured in this story)

Herod Phillip - Uncle and 1st. husband of Herodias (father of Salome (the dancer in the story)

Herod Antipas - uncle and 2nd. husband of Herodias - the star of this story!!
Was ruler of Galilee - appointed by Rome
(locally called 'King' but NOT officially a King!)  - more like a governor

John the Baptist - great preacher, prophet, forerunner of Christ! - of whom Jesus said ... Matt. 11:11 - 1st. prophet in 400 years.

THE STORY:  Mark 6:17-29 - with Matt. 14:12
Herod couldn't give her half the kingdom, wasn't his to give.
"greatly distressed" - same word used only one other place in Bible - used about Jesus in Gethsemane before His crucifixion.

NOTES:

#1.  Herod (Antipas) imprisoned John ... NOT because of what he was saying ... but because of Herodias' anger!!  (in fact, may have been partly to protect him from Herodias!!)

Nevertheless,
#2.  Herod feared John - which = BOTH ..... Respect and Trepidation - in a word = AWE!!
John's message included judgment and punishment as well as good news.

#3.  Herod like to listen to John BUT with strong mixed emotions!!
On one hand, "gladly listened" - because message resonated as truth!!
However, the message caused stress, "dis stressed"

Because - he knew the message was right and true
and part of him wanted to embrace it!!

BUT - however ... THE COST!?!?
   he was afraid of...... his wife - she hated John
                       for...... his reputation
                       for...... his career - placed in his position by Rome
                      for ..... His lifestyle ... which = opulent, luxurious, and self indulgent!!
This is every lost man's dilemma - accepting Christ costs something.

So... Herod does Nothing!! - straddles the fence.  Which = non-acceptance of message.
ie:  Until ... his hand is forced!!

NOW....  he must decide....
      A.  do what he knows is WRONG .. and SAVE FACE??
 or  B.  do what he knows is RIGHT .. and save Soul??
Again, every adult non-believer's dilemma

Words of Christ here ... Matt. 10:28, Mark 8:36

Reject Christ today doesn't necessarily mean reject Christ forever!!!  People CAN change!!
(last week = "unbelief today does not necessitate unbelief tomorrow!")

BUT ... next Bible appearance of Herod Antipas = trial of Jesus ... Luke 23:4-12
has degenerated to the point where he can stand face to face with Christ and MOCK!!

THIS STORY IS RIPE WITH LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS

#1.  Being convicted by the Word is not the same as responding to the Word.
(or) holding Christ in AWE is of little value without submissions - (convict = convince which is a good start)

#2.  Sorrow is no substitute for repentance.
Sorrow - feeling - very important but not without action>
Repentance = turning (action)

#3.  It's a lot easier to KNOW right then to DO right.
many wanna BE good without the effort of DOING good!

#4.  Sometimes your best friends are your worst enemies.
example:  Herodias/ officials at the banquet (doubtful that any of them advised Herod NOT to do it)/ etc.

Incidentally... Herod's end in Galilee ... another brother (Herod Agrippa) was granted a true Kingship by Rome.  Herodias pressures Herod Antipas to request the same thing!!  Result = he was stripped of his rulership, and exiled to Gaul (France).

#5.  to ignore the Holy Spirit si to (eventually) harden your heart.  (So.... don't quench, grieve)
A hardened heart can result in the death of your soul before death of your Body!! 
(example:  Rom. 1:28 - "reprobate, depraved mind"

#6.  The Holy Spirit DOES want to CONVICT you (of truth, righteousness, etc.) BUT He doesn't intend to HARM you!!!  He loves you and is doing for your own good.

NOW add... Mark 6:30-32
This story sandwiched between the 12 being sent out and the 12 being regathered.

They return successful!!  elated!!  with joy!!   Only to learn .. the great John the Baptist has been beheaded.
So .... off for some rest and relaxation.

Because ... Serving Jesus (ministry, kingdom work ...) is...
sometimes  energizing!  ie:  baptisms and baby dedications, conversions! growth and development, joyous weddings
sometimes draining!  tragedy, death, funerals, rejections, backsliding, turning away, bitter divorces

BUT whatever it be... "to this we are called...."
to carry gospel - to feed sheep - to assist needy - to build the Kingdom - to represent Christ!! be His ambassador.    2. Cor. 5:18-21
Every person who is a follower of Christ will experience highs and lows!

Closing Scripture:  1 Cor. 15:58

   

Jesus - Rejected by His Own

 Mark 6:1-6 - went to Nazareth (his hometown) - had been invited to share in the synagogue.
Home folk at 1st were AMAZED!!  (His knowledge, wisdom, miracles - knew he was not formally schooled, was the son of a carpenter.
but THEN = they were offended!!  

Why?  Luke 4:16-30 - (quoting Isa. 61:18-19)

(1)  He's making Messianic claims for Himself! =  ie:  "Isaiah's prophecy (about the chosen Messiah)  fulfilled in ME!"
(2)  He knows they won't accept that.  (He knows their hearts)
So, (3)  He compares them to unbelieving Israel!! -  God went to a pagan widow, pagan military leader (Naaman) - who believed and were blessed when much of Israel was astray!!

So..... they were VERY offended!!  (from Greek word meaning scandalized)

Result?  (1)  "He couldn't work many miracles there"
and       (2)  He left town!!

question:  Can my unbelief tie God's hands?? - Answer = yes and no.
On one hand, NO!! God is totally Sovereign!!  We can't manipulate Him.
However, our faith does affect His activity!! (concerning the outcome and results)
Matt. 13:58  - - Probably because they wouldn't bring the sick ones to Him. 
Nevertheless - their lack of faith therefore affected His activity!!

So.... He leaves Nazareth and sends out the 12 disciples.  - Mark. 6:6-13

The task of the 12?  "preach that people should repent." = Primary part of their message.
Definition of repent = a turning ... (which = turn FROM and turn TO)

The proof of their authority?? - drove out demons; healed the sick

(NOTE:  Mark states their mission in 8 verses.  Matthew uses 42 verses - Matt. 10:1-42 - expansion of their commission)

Question:  Why no provisions? - Compare sending the 70 - Luke 10:7
(God provides FOR His workers THROUGH people!!) - the workman is worthy of his hire.

Some observations from these 2 passages: 

#1.  (Your) Faith Matters - can't tie God's hands, can't manipulate Him or make Him do anything, but is very apparent that your faith makes a difference.
Examples:  Matt. 21:21-22   Mark 11:24   Mark 5:34

BUT ... #2  Your)  Faith doesn't guarantee you'll get what you pray for.
Examples:  Paul's thorn    Christ in Gethsemane    healings

FAITH and confidence = trusting Him ... whether or NOT He acts according to your wishes!!

#3.  The Gospel is a message of BOTH Salvation AND condemnation!  (good news, bad news)
John 3:16-18

#4.  (nevertheless) Unbelief today does not necessitate unbelief tomorrow.
Is never too late to turn!!  (ie:  opportunity till death!)
Example:  Jesus' brothers .... James and Jude - after the resurrection became strong believers.  See books of James and Jude.

How to be saved?  Simple as A, B, C - Rom. 10:9-11
                                             A - admit
                                             B - believe
                                             C - confess
(too simple??? Rom. 1:16-17)  - this is the only way - there is NO other way!!

#5.  Jesus' ministry is extended through His human helpers
Jesus = one mouth and 2 hands
Add the 12 - 13 mouths and 26 hands
Add the 70 - 83 mouths and 166 hands
etc.

Clearly God can save people APART from you and me... But, in His wisdom,  He chooses to do HIS work through His people!!  - then and now!

AND there is plenty of His work to be done!!! - John 4:35 - talking about the field of mankind.
However, the Holy Spirit has to make a heart ready, call people, etc.  We can't just set out on our own.

Only opportunity to do this is here and now.  There won't be opportunity in heaven.  It will have already been taken care of when we get there.